After moving from Bogotá, Colombia to Lowell, Sarah Alzate-Pérez faced challenges in navigating the U.S. higher education system. From figuring out how to get involved in the community to feeling more secure in speaking the English language, the Success Scholars Program at Middlesex Community College connected her with a mentor and network of support.
“Having access to a mentor through the program provided me with the ability to connect with the resources available to me, as well as provided me with opportunities for academic advancement,” Alzate-Pérez said. “It gave me confidence in speaking a new language and it gave me enough support to be able to successfully adapt to my new life in the country.”
On a summer 2022 New York City Pride trip with the Success Scholars Program, Alzate-Pérez was able to get involved with Middlesex before her classes started. Meeting classmates also in the program – in addition to having a mentor – helped her feel more comfortable attending activities and accessing opportunities throughout the college.
“Having access to a mentor through the SUCCESS Scholars Program provided me with the ability to connect with the resources available to me, as well as provided me with opportunities for academic advancement. It gave me confidence in speaking a new language and it gave me enough support to be able to successfully adapt to my new life in the country.” - Sarah Alzate-Pérez, MCC Student
The support she received from being part of the Success Scholars Program has also led Alzate-Pérez to enhance her personal growth. At the start of the Spring 2023 semester, she decided to become a mentor for the program to help other students adjust to college life. She is also the president of the LatinX Force Club and part of the National Society for Leadership and Success at the college.
“I participate in as many on-campus activities as possible, especially those offered by the Success Scholars Program and other clubs,” she said. “I was inspired by the network of connections and support they provided for me upon my arrival.”
Alzate-Pérez is also grateful for faculty in the Fine and Performing Arts Theatre program for helping her develop her talent with experiences in and outside of the classroom. In MCC’s Spring 2023 production of “RENT,” she will play a role in the ensemble cast. With a passion for performing, she looks forward to pursuing musical theatre both in continuing her education at a four-year college and as a career.
“The incredible group of people that make up the arts faculty make my program amazing,” Alzate-Pérez said. “Without a doubt, the opportunity that my program provides to transfer to a university is also very important to me.”
After moving a year ago to the United States, she attended an MCC Open House to learn more about what the college had to offer. One of the first staff members at Middlesex to offer assistance was Karen Spengler, MCC’s Links Coordinator. Spengler provided Alzate-Pérez with the confidence and support to start at MCC to “pursue my dreams.” A year in, MCC has continued to guide her on the path to reach her academic and personal goals.
“MCC has been an incredibly enriching experience for my life and my personal development,” she said. “I am immensely grateful to this institution for opening the doors to my success.”